The Base Procured Equipment program, as detailed in Line Item 845010 of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget, is designed to provide essential investment equipment to Air Force organizations when such items are unavailable through central procurement channels or exceed standard cost thresholds. The program's primary goal is to ensure operational readiness and mission support by acquiring specialized tools and equipment for road and ground maintenance, vehicle maintenance and corrosion control, civil engineering, electrical and carpentry shops, laboratories, dining facilities, printing plants, and training ranges. Procurement sources include the General Services Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, and commercial vendors. Funding is distributed across multiple Program Elements (PEs) to address diverse operational needs.
Rapid Sustainment Modernization focuses on the acquisition and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3-D printers and cold spray machines, as well as automation and robotics equipment. The objective is to accelerate and streamline depot and flightline maintenance operations, thereby reducing operations and sustainment costs. Funding increases support for expanded procurement of 3-D printing technologies and cold spray equipment, while automation and robotics investments are adjusted based on the completion of prior-year projects and anticipated new initiatives. This modernization effort directly supports the Air Force's drive for more efficient and cost-effective sustainment practices.
F-35 Base Procured Equipment funding is allocated to procure critical infrastructure and support systems necessary for F-35 operations, including secure Lightning Modular Extendable Rigid Wall Shelters, aircraft sunshades, temporary shelters, and Intrusion Detection Systems. These investments are justified by the need to fulfill unique mission planning, maintenance, and security requirements for the F-35, ensuring compliance with Air Force and intelligence community standards. The shelters and sunshades provide protection from weather and lightning, while IDS installations enable secure storage and processing of classified information. These measures support the full operational capability of F-35 units.
Advanced Pilot Training System Equipment addresses the needs of Air Education and Training Command as new T-7 aircraft arrive at pilot training bases. Funding is directed toward the procurement of sunshades to protect aircraft and personnel from environmental hazards, as well as prefabricated structures for secure explosive storage related to ejection seat and canopy systems. These investments are critical for maintaining aircraft readiness, reducing Non-Mission Capable rates, and supporting the pilot training mission by ensuring compliance with explosive storage regulations and safeguarding sensitive aircraft systems.
Professional Training Equipment supports the Air Force Institute of Technology and its multidisciplinary research centers. The objective is to procure advanced laboratory and research equipment, such as 5-axis CNC milling machines and high-speed hyperspectral thermal imaging systems, which enable research in areas like hypersonics, aerodynamics, and cyber operations. These investments ensure that AFIT remains a leader in applied research and technical education, supporting Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security test and evaluation teams.
United States Air Force Academy Procured Equipment funding is used to acquire specialized academic and athletic equipment to maintain USAFA's status as a premier military service academy. This includes STEM laboratory equipment, artificial intelligence clusters, high-performance computing systems, and audio-visual systems for cadet training and athletic programs. The goal is to support the education, training, and operations mission, as well as ensure compliance with NCAA and conference standards for athletic facilities and equipment.
Strategic Air Operations Center Enhancements focus on improving cybersecurity and information interoperability for USSTRATCOM's STAOC. Funding will procure robust intrusion detection and access control systems, as well as cross-domain data delivery solutions to support command and control capacity for emerging classified capabilities. These upgrades are essential for supporting advanced battle management and joint all-domain command and control initiatives, enabling secure data flow and integration for critical missions such as the B-21 bomber, Sentinel missile system, and National Airborne Operations Center. Additionally, shielded enclosures and stationary X-ray inspection systems are funded to enhance security and threat detection capabilities at Air Force installations.